Building memories

Yesterday I invited Quincy and Reilly out for some Grami time. In the end I invited Shannon so she could have some special time with just her two oldest, also. Plus, I was taking them ice skating and they had never been before and I hadn't been really in about 38 years. Meghan called and canceled on me so I figured an extra hand would be necessary. Well to my surprise Reilly took to it like she'd been skating many times before and didn't need any help. She did like to monoplize her mothers' time though. Good for the both of them. Quincy did really well also, but he liked using his crutch..."helpers" that the kids could use to keep themselves balanced while learning to skate. He would really go fast with this device. We had dinner and then 2 1/2 hours of skating. I even did better as time went on. A bit nervous and wobbly at first. Shannon did very well. I love these times with each grandchild and plan on many, many more. This summer we have several hiking trips planned with Reilly, Quincy, Kassidy and Payten. I think that the mom's want to come to. We will see.

A Gift

This has been a busy week.

Tuesday we celebrated the gift of 4 enjoyable years with Payten. It is difficult to believe he is already 4. He is such a handsome young man with a sweet and happy personality. He loves both of his sisters and doesn't always like when Lilly has to take a nap because he loves playing with her. He also has such good manners, he is so very polite and kind.

Here are some pics I have of his party. Ok, let's be honest..Shannon will kill me for this picture, but I am the mom and I love it.

A Brand New Year

Well as difficult as last year was I look forward to experiencing a new year and the blessings and services that await. I don't usually do much...normally spend time with family. This year a friend invited me to a dinner and singles dance. The dinner was okay, but it was fun to see so many friends come in. The dance was the best I have been to. Danced and talked and danced and talked all night. Rang in the New Year with good Friends was especially nice. 

I look forward to many things this year. Reilly has made the decision to be baptized in March and that we be really special to have her father baptize her as she becomes a member of Our Lord and Saviors church. Then confirmed and recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost. What a good example she is to her younger siblings. I March I also plan on having my mother and father sealed together for time and all eternity as husband and wife and have my brothers and I sealed to them. I have waited along time for this and look forward to these eternal blessings. 

Come Summer I plan to spend time with grandchildren and hiking. There is so much to see and enjoy. So much He has given us that are right within my reach. 

Thank you Shannon, Sean, Patrick, Laura, Kevin and Meghan for making my life richer each and every day. My love for you is beyond the ability to hold.

Love and Family

I had the most awesome holiday season this year. Everyone was home. Patrick brought his Rock Band over and most were downstairs playing and singing. For once we didn't feel crowded. The kids took the older ones sledding. Next year I think that I will go out with them. It would have been so much fun to watch. 

Reilly and Quincy stayed the night on the 23rd and helped get things ready for our Christmas..24th. They are always wanting to stay with Grami. They love Laura and her family. On Jan. 2 Kassi and Payten were supposed to spend the night, but Kassi had pinkeye so she couldn't. Payten was a little disappointed though. We bought a little wooden helicopter and airplane at Wal-Mart that he painted that night. He did a great job. He stayed in Meghan's room and did well down there by himself. The next day we went to Thanksgiving Point and went through the dinosaur museum. He has so much fun digging for fossels in sand and water and pushing and inspecting everything. We also watched a movie about the ocean and fish, sharks and dolphins in 3D. I love to have this one on one time with them.